Rajasthan star all-rounder leaves the team for national duties

New Zealand batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has left the bio-bubble of the team to join the national side for the England tour. Mitchell has played only two games for the side in the ongoing Indian T20 League 2022. He is part of the New Zealand squad for the tour of England where the team will play three-match Test series. The series will start on June 2 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The 31-year-old has left the team at a time when they are set to play Qualifier 2 against Bangalore in Ahmedabad on May 27. The 2008 winners had lost to Gujarat in Qualifier 1 on May 24 in Kolkata. On the other hand, the three-time finalists won against Lucknow on May 25 to step closer to the title.

Meanwhile, the Pink Brigade’s head of Cricket operations, Kumar Sangakkara has said that the Kiwi has contributed to the team in a lot of aspects. The former Sri Lanka skipper added that the team is extremely grateful to Daryl and the team is happy for him to be a part of the squad. Sangakkara wished him the best for England series.

“Daryl has been with us right from the start, he has been an exceptional part of our group, he is done a huge amount for us in terms of energy, being the character he is, helping out, supporting, playing, fielding and getting to know each of us. So we have asked everyone from the start to give a little bit to the group and Daryl has done an amazing job for us in that regard. We are extremely grateful for your contribution and unbelievably happy for you to be part of our squad. We wish you the best for your series against England. We would be watching the game and cheering for you.”

The Jaipur-based team hasn’t played the final of the cash-rich league after the title victory in the inaugural season. If they win the Qualifier 2, this will be their second final in 14 years.